Social conventions? "Humbug," as Scrooge in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol says.

Sometimes social conventions can be a hindrance rather than a help. They seem to be in existence to guide the ignorant and provide light to the darkness of the uncivilised world, to quell the rowdiness in barbaric human instincts and to tame the primitive nature of man. Yes indeed, it is most prominently seen in the 18th century, the Augustan period in English history but in reality, it can frustrate and exasperate man's deepest desires. We are expected to live up to and within what society recognises as proper. However, that is just what the majority of society thinks. When any one convention is defied, it is seen as rebellious and "wrong" What crap! The human right to pursue dreams is not given leeway because of these ludicrous "rules".

Women must marry someone older, richer, taller and handsome. I believe each one of us has an idea of what makes up our potential mate! It is OUR relationship, not society's! Why should we conform to what society expects of us, when those expectations may not give us true happiness?! As long as the couple are agreeable with each other, social norms should not destroy that perfect picture in their eyes! Social norms have separated potentially happy couples and married unhappy couples. This is all because social expectations have reared their ugly heads upon people's desires and thawed the morally fine passions of their hearts! Age is just a number. Some people surpass or defeat their biological age accordingly. Wealth is a materialistic concept that is temporal in nature and cannot buy certain invaluable possessions. Height and looks are based on appearance but youth and external beauty will fade, as opposed to internal beauty and character.

Doctors and lawyers are seen as professional but not tutors?? Utter crap!! Get a life man! What may not be "proper" to people is just their perception, full of myopic crap! I love kids and everything associated with them, and that's my life! Too bad if people cannot understand why!!

Social rituals are also included. I was eating at a Japanese restaurant and unconsciously used my chopsticks in the wrong manner. When my cousin told me, I continued with it since it was already dirtied. I then realised why this girl next to him kept looking at me.

Social rituals are habits that cultures instill upon their people. Etiquette like which utensil to use, how to eat certain foods or where to sit at the formal dinner table, are expected to be followed. When they aren't, alienation and ostracization occur. Does meeting the required etiquette mean that one is more superior and elite than others?? I think comfort should be the key here. I am not trying to justify the "mistake" I made in social manners but I can't fathom why not following "rules laid down by man" deems one "strange"! I did not feel out of place or uncomfortable using my chopsticks in that manner so why the heck should a stranger be so nosey as to notice it??! She obviously got bored with her companion!